Santorini is not just a destination. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, dramatic caldera views, and iconic whitewashed villages, Santorini is one of the most sought-after Greek islands in the world. From exploring ancient archaeological sites and swimming at unique volcanic beaches to indulging in local cuisine and world-class Santorini wine, the island offers unforgettable moments for every type of traveler.
If you’re wondering what to do in Santorini or searching for the best things to do in Santorini while planning your vacation, this guide is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a first-time trip to Greece, these top things to do in Santorini highlight the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and authentic experiences—helping you make the most of your time on this extraordinary island.
1. Watch One of the World’s Most Iconic Sunsets
No trip to Santorini is complete without experiencing its legendary sunsets. Wander through Oia’s narrow lanes, settle into a café overlooking the caldera, and watch the sun melt into the Aegean Sea behind the blue-domed churches. It’s easily one of the best things to do on Santorini for first-time and returning visitors alike.
To elevate the experience even further, consider enjoying dinner at sunset on the caldera—a truly memorable way to combine breathtaking views with exceptional local flavors. One of the best gastronomy experiences in Santorini is joining an island tour with a sunset dinner, allowing you to explore the island during the day and end your evening with a refined dining experience overlooking the caldera.
2. Hike the Fira to Oia Trail
For travelers who enjoy combining sightseeing with light exercise, the Fira-to-Oia hike is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities in santorini greece. This scenic 10 km caldera trail follows the edge of the cliffs, offering uninterrupted views of the volcano, the Aegean Sea, and some of the island’s most iconic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Firostefani and Imerovigli, with countless photo opportunities and viewpoints that showcase Santorini at its most dramatic. The hike typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views.
Useful tip: To avoid the heat—especially from late spring through summer—it’s best to start the hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon, finishing before sunset. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and use sun protection. It’s one of the best things to do in Santorini for nature lovers and an unforgettable way to experience the island beyond the beaches and villages.
3. Explore the Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Step back in time with a visit to Akrotiri Archeological Site, a remarkably well-preserved Minoan settlement often referred to as the “Greek Pompeii.” Buried under volcanic ash following the massive eruption around 1600 BC, Akrotiri offers a fascinating glimpse into a highly advanced Bronze Age civilization. As you explore the covered archaeological site, you’ll discover multi-story buildings, intricate drainage systems, colorful frescoes, and beautifully preserved pottery that reveal the sophistication of daily life thousands of years ago.
For travelers interested in history and culture, visiting Akrotiri is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Santorini. To make the most of your time on the island, you may also consider combining a visit to Akrotiri with a Santorini sightseeing tour. This is one of the best ways to blend historical exploration with visits to traditional villages, scenic viewpoints, and iconic landmarks—creating a well-rounded experience that captures the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
4. Taste Santorini’s Unique Volcanic Wines
Santorini’s unique volcanic soil produces some of the most distinctive wines in Greece, making a wine tasting tour in Santorini a must for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. By joining a winery tour, you’ll learn about the island’s ancient vine-training method, known as kouloura, designed to protect the grapes from strong winds and intense sun. Of course, no visit is complete without sampling Santorini’s signature variety, Assyrtiko, along with other local white and dessert wines.
You’ll find a variety of Santorini wine tour options to suit different preferences and schedules. A standard wine tour typically includes visits to three wineries, with tastings of up to 12 different wines over approximately five hours. Tours are available in both morning and afternoon start times, with the afternoon option often referred to as a sunset wine tour, allowing you to enjoy tastings alongside beautiful caldera views as the day comes to an end. Wine tasting is truly one of the most memorable things to do in Santorini and a highlight of any well-planned island itinerary.
5. Wander Through Santorini Traditional Villages
Beyond its famous caldera views, Santorini is home to charming traditional villages that offer a glimpse into the island’s authentic character and everyday life. Wander through the narrow alleys of Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio, where whitewashed houses, blue-domed chapels, and quiet village squares create a slower, more local atmosphere. These villages are perfect for discovering hidden churches, traditional architecture, and family-run tavernas away from the busiest tourist areas.
Exploring Santorini’s traditional villages is one of the best things to do for travelers who want to experience the island’s culture, history, and timeless charm beyond the postcard views.
6. Join a Traditional Santorini Cooking Class
Discover the secrets of Santorini’s local cuisine with a hands-on cooking class, a truly immersive way to connect with the island’s culinary traditions. During the class, you’ll learn to prepare iconic Santorini dishes such as tomato fritters, fava, fresh seafood, and other seasonal specialties—using ingredients grown in the island’s fertile volcanic soil. Guided by skilled local chefs, you’ll gain insight into traditional cooking techniques, flavor combinations, and the stories behind each dish, making it an unforgettable experience for food lovers.
This is one of the best things to do in Santorini for anyone who enjoys culinary adventures, combining education with delicious results. Extra tip: For a truly memorable day, consider combining a cooking class with a wine tour, so you can pair the flavors you create with some of Santorini’s celebrated wines, creating a complete gastronomic experience on the island.
7. Fly Over Santorini
For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, a helicopter ride over Santorini is one of the most unforgettable things you can do on the island. Many travelers agree that seeing Santorini from the air is even more breathtaking than anywhere else in Greece. From above, you’ll take in the dramatic caldera cliffs, volcanic beaches, and charming cliffside villages in a way that’s impossible from the ground. You can even fly over the volcano itself, gaining a unique perspective on the island’s geological history and iconic landscapes.
This is a luxury experience that combines adventure with spectacular views, making it perfect for those celebrating special occasions or simply wanting to make their Santorini trip truly unforgettable. To make the most of your day, consider combining a helicopter ride with a land tour, including wine tasting and sightseeing, so you can enjoy the island’s flavors, culture, and scenery before taking to the skies.
8. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Located in the heart of Fira, the Archaeological Museum of Thera showcases the most important discoveries from Akrotiri and other ancient settlements across Santorini. Visitors can explore artifacts ranging from pottery and frescoes to tools and sculptures, all of which provide fascinating insight into the island’s prehistoric and early Cycladic civilizations. The museum offers context for the volcanic eruption that shaped Santorini and the sophisticated society that existed long before modern times. It’s an ideal stop for culture and history lovers, giving a deeper understanding of the island’s rich heritage and making it one of the top things to do in Santorini for anyone interested in archaeology and ancient Greek history.
9. Take a Caldera Cruise and Volcanic Excursion
A sailing tour in Santorini is one of the top things to do for adventure seekers and anyone looking to experience the island from a completely unique perspective. Set sail along the sparkling Aegean Sea, passing Santorini’s dramatic volcanic beaches and secluded coves that are otherwise hard to reach. Many tours include stops to swim in the warm sulphur springs, explore hidden beaches, or hike the active crater of Nea Kameni, offering a rare chance to see the island’s volcanic landscapes up close. From the deck, the views of the caldera cliffs and charming villages from the water are absolutely breathtaking, especially during sunset when the sky reflects off the deep blue sea.
A sailing tour is perfect for combining relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable photo opportunities, making it one of the most memorable ways to explore Santorini.
10. Discover the Authentic Island of Thirassia
Just a short boat ride from Santorini, Thirassia offers a rare glimpse of what the island looked like decades ago. With only around 150 residents, it has remained largely untouched by mass tourism, giving visitors a sense of authentic island life. Wander through its quiet villages, admire traditional Cycladic architecture, and enjoy meals at local tavernas serving fresh, seasonal dishes. A highlight of any visit is the Mikra Thira winery, which means “Little Santorini,” where you can taste premium local wines and learn about the island’s unique winemaking traditions.
A great way to make the most of this experience is to either take a boat tour around Santorini that includes a wine tasting at Mikra Thira, or opt for a wine tour that combines a visit to one winery in Santorini with Mikra Thira on Thirassia, allowing you to enjoy both stunning scenery and exceptional wines in a single day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, exploring ancient ruins, hiking the caldera, or discovering hidden villages, Santorini offers endless possibilities. This guide highlights the best things to do on Santorini, helping you plan unforgettable moments and meaningful connections with the island.
If you’re searching for inspiration on what to do in Santorini or planning a full itinerary of Santorini activities, these top experiences will ensure your trip is nothing short of spectacular.
